Sin City Presents Magazine October 2018 Volume 5 Issue 09 - Page 26

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SIN CITY PRESENTS MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2018

Interview with Louis Schiavone of War Within

Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen

Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen: Let’s begin by talking about how War Within formed. How do you and Jeff know each other, and what made you want to form War Within?

Louis Schiavone: Jeff and I met 20 plus years ago and became the best of friends. In 2001 we decided to put a band together. We started out playing covers and formed multiple bands over the years. At one point we realized that both of us have been musicians for most of our lives, and we should be playing our own music. With the addition of Mark, Craig, and Lloyd, we formed War Within.

Metal Babe: How did you find them?

Louis: We placed an ad for a singer and singers tried out for us, but they just weren’t what we were looking for. Mark answered our ad, so we sent him some songs and set a date to get together. Mark came in very prepared. It was the perfect match for what we wanted in our band. At that point we were having probs with our current bass player, so Mark brought in Craig, who was also very prepared. Another perfect match... We put out another ad for a second guitarist and Lloyd answered it and fit the band. Then we formed War Within.

Metal Babe: That’s great! For anyone not familiar, how would you describe your sound, and who are your biggest influences?

Louis: Most people describe us as a cross between Queensrÿche and Godsmack. Between all of us we have many influences. My influences came from bands like Rush, Dream Theater, Godsmack, Megadeth, etc.

Metal Babe: It’s great to have that diversity. Last time I saw War Within perform you did an amazing cover of Queensrÿche’s “Empire.” How did you decide to cover that song?

Drummer Louis Schiavone and guitarist Jeff Baldonado formed War Within in 2011.

Based out of the high desert in Southern CA, War Within created an entirely new sound based on their years of collective experience and influences. They have become a driving force in the "metal" scene, and played all over the U.S. The band has been working hard in the studio on their next album, which is due out late 2018/early 2019. Catch them at The Whisky December 28th with The BulletBoys if you’re in the Los Angeles area (See discount ticket information below).